Lucille Clifton, originally Thelma Lucille Sayles, was born June 27, 1936 in Depew New York. She was raised in Buffalo New York and graduated
High school at age 16, and then attended Howard University before transferring to Fredonia State Teachers College.
She met her husband, Fred Clifton, during this time. They had six children together before Fred died in 1984. Lucille taught at many colleges throughout
the east coast, published many poems, and won many awards before her death in 1973.
Major Works
Good Times
Blessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems
The Terrible Stories
Poetry
"My Mama Moved Among the Days" My Mama moved among the days
like a dreamwalker in a field;
seemed like what she touched was here
seemed like what touched her couldn't hold,
she got us almost through the high grass
then seemed like she turned around and ran
right back in
right back on in
My Response
When I read this poem I was in awe of Lucille's mother. She is the theme of the poem and she represents strength and mystery. This poem uses similies and imagery. There is no rhyme scheme.
"Miss Rosie"
when I watch you
wrapped up like garbage
sitting, surrounded by the smell
of too old potato peels
or
when I watch you
in your old man's shoes
with the little toe cut out
sitting, waiting for your mind
like next week's grocery
I say
when I watch you
you wet brown bag of a woman
who used to be the best looking gal in Georgia
Used to be called the Georgia Rose
I stand up
through your destruction
I stand up
My Response
When I read this poem I was really emotionally affected. The way the ruined woman is described is amazing. She is the epitome of loss. The theme of this poem is how Lucille feels strong, worthy, and accomplished when she sees what this once amazing woman has become and how she has not dropped in such a way. It shows that even if you do not seem to be the best or the most beautiful you may end up that way so don't give up. The poem contains similes and imagery. There is no rhyme scheme. "Fury"
for mama
remember this.
she is standing by
the furnace.
the coals
glisten like rubies.
her hand is crying.
her hand is clutching
a sheaf of papers.
poems.
she gives them up.
they burn
jewels into jewels
her eyes are animals.
each hank of her hair
is a serpent's obedient
wife.
she will never recover.
remember. there is nothing
you will not bear
for this woman's sake.
My Response
When I read this poem I instantly liked it. It struck me as powerful, dark, and beautiful. The imagery that she uses in this poem is amazing, she also uses metaphors and personification to bring the events in the poem to life. There is no rhyme scheme. This poem is about Lucille's memory of her mother. Her mother desired to become a poet, but was not allowed by Lucille's father. This poem is one of Lucille's memories. The theme of this poem is that if your dreams are denied it will hurt you and those around you.
Biography
Lucille Clifton, originally Thelma Lucille Sayles, was born June 27, 1936 in Depew New York. She was raised in Buffalo New York and graduatedHigh school at age 16, and then attended Howard University before transferring to Fredonia State Teachers College.
She met her husband, Fred Clifton, during this time. They had six children together before Fred died in 1984. Lucille taught at many colleges throughout
the east coast, published many poems, and won many awards before her death in 1973.
Major Works
Good TimesBlessing the Boats: New and Selected Poems
The Terrible Stories
Poetry
"My Mama Moved Among the Days"
My Mama moved among the days
like a dreamwalker in a field;
seemed like what she touched was here
seemed like what touched her couldn't hold,
she got us almost through the high grass
then seemed like she turned around and ran
right back in
right back on in
My Response
When I read this poem I was in awe of Lucille's mother. She is the theme of the poem and she represents strength and mystery. This poem uses similies and imagery. There is no rhyme scheme.
"Miss Rosie"
when I watch you
wrapped up like garbage
sitting, surrounded by the smell
of too old potato peels
or
when I watch you
in your old man's shoes
with the little toe cut out
sitting, waiting for your mind
like next week's grocery
I say
when I watch you
you wet brown bag of a woman
who used to be the best looking gal in Georgia
Used to be called the Georgia Rose
I stand up
through your destruction
I stand up
My Response
When I read this poem I was really emotionally affected. The way the ruined woman is described is amazing. She is the epitome of loss. The theme of this poem is how Lucille feels strong, worthy, and accomplished when she sees what this once amazing woman has become and how she has not dropped in such a way. It shows that even if you do not seem to be the best or the most beautiful you may end up that way so don't give up. The poem contains similes and imagery. There is no rhyme scheme.
"Fury"
for mama
remember this.
she is standing by
the furnace.
the coals
glisten like rubies.
her hand is crying.
her hand is clutching
a sheaf of papers.
poems.
she gives them up.
they burn
jewels into jewels
her eyes are animals.
each hank of her hair
is a serpent's obedient
wife.
she will never recover.
remember. there is nothing
you will not bear
for this woman's sake.
My Response
When I read this poem I instantly liked it. It struck me as powerful, dark, and beautiful. The imagery that she uses in this poem is amazing, she also uses metaphors and personification to bring the events in the poem to life. There is no rhyme scheme. This poem is about Lucille's memory of her mother. Her mother desired to become a poet, but was not allowed by Lucille's father. This poem is one of Lucille's memories. The theme of this poem is that if your dreams are denied it will hurt you and those around you.
Works Cited
Lucille Clifton. 3/1/10. http://www.poemhunter.com/lucille-clifton/
Lucille Clifton. 3/2/10. http://www.math.buffalo.edu/~sww/clifton/clifton-biobib.html
Lucille Clifton. Blessing the boats: new and selected poems. New York, BOA Editions, 2000.
Lucille Clifton. Mercy Poems. New York, BOA Editions, 2004.
The Thoughts of a Woman. 3/1/10. http://project1.caryacademy.org/echoes/poet_Lucille_Clifton/Defaultclifton.htm